Amid much laughter from the fair ones and “wise cracks” from the boys, places were chosen, and then when they were all seated, one by one the ribbons were pulled and out of the box-heart on the middle of the table a small red paper heart was drawn, and on it, in jolly jingle, was a prophesy for the future.
As each was drawn, it was read aloud and was followed by much laughter and teasing, especially when Bob read:
“A dark brunette shall be your wife,
And she will lead you such a life
Of woe and worry and of strife.”
“Oh, I say, Rose,” Bob grinned across the table at the girl who sat opposite him, “are you going to let that dark brunette get me?”
“Read yours, Rosie,” Merry called gaily, and so Rose read:
“A long, lank spinster you will be;
A cat your only company;
Your favorite pastime drinking tea.”